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Digital educational opportunities and initiatives have not been given the kind of widespread attention and adoption that they deserve in recent years, although the Covid environment did make these measures more necessary.
Edtech startups have a task and a unique set of challenges when it comes to communicating with and meeting the needs of their target customer base, a part of which is traditional schooling and educational institutions. Here are a few tips on how edtech startups can partner with and work with schools effectively.
1. Sensible Networking
One of the easiest ways to be trusted regarding your customer service and product is to earn a referral. Suppose you have a good reputation of being responsive and catering to various individual demands (from teachers and administrators). In that case, they are likely to make a recommendation throughout their network, including other schools and teachers working in the area.
For this reason, edtech companies should gear their marketing strategy towards earning loyalty and ensuring a quality customer experience each time. Offering loyalty points, discounts, free tutorials, and an overall accessible customer service option can go a long way in making you a reliable name in the edtech industry, especially in a specific location.
2. Never Be Discouraged By Rejection
Since edtech initiatives are still in their early stages of implementation, many educators and schools may be risk averse, especially when allocating funds to your digital products and services. It is important to remember that most educational institutions like schools will have a default response of ‘no’ when approached by your marketing or outreach team. The idea is to work around that initial ‘no’ and turn it into a ‘yes’ by showing the educators and the administrators how your digital products will add value to their teaching methodology.
This can also be done by having a short presentation ready to go that showcases research and the significant advantages your edtech software can bring. These can include saving time, students having better retention rates, and even cost savings with better academic results. Offering a discount on your product or setting them up with a free trial of at least a month can also promise good results as they have nothing to lose by trying out your initiative. Once they see the practical value of it, they will view the price differently and be more willing to invest.
3. Analyze Workflow And Real Life Issues
A rule of business is that customers are always willing to invest in a product or service if it addresses their concern or a problem that routinely costs them time, effort, or money. If an administrator is investing in laminators for schools, for example, they will be doing so since student projects or paperwork needs demand the investment. As an edtech company, you need to analyze the workflow of the schools you are targeting and market your product to be the solution. For example, some schools have fewer staff members, many students that struggle with concentration and understanding, or a general lack of time to meet all the curriculum requirements.
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